inspiration and spirit

So yet another month has whizzed by, and I have learnt and done so much! April has been a refreshing and inspirational month, much to the credit of Drapers Next Generation event which was held at Euston Square in central London. What a place! The event was definitely a step up from last year's DNG with breakfast, lunch and a drinks reception offered as well as free entry to the after-party in Mayfair...but that wasn't the reason for going, honest! This year's event played host to a number of important entrepreneurs from the world of fashion including: Sir Stuart Rose, Betty Jackson, Oliver Spencer, Ray Kelvin, Jason Tarry and David Reiss alongside the fantastic '30 under 30' individuals including Lexie Sport's Lily Rice, who Drapers have identified as the upcoming beings in their fields.

So...where do I start?! I planned to take notes throughout the event or useful advice etc that these successful individuals were so generously offering, but I found that I was so absorbed by what they were saying that I didn't pick up my pen once. The main point that so many of the speakers emphasised was the importance of making - and learning from, mistakes. It was refreshing and encouraging to hear figures such as Oliver Spencer talk about the mistakes they have made whilst developing their businesses; it reminded me that they are human too and success doesn't mean not making any mistakes, but learning from the ones you inevitably will make! I felt so uplifted by the entire event (yes, that was before the wine and canapés on the rooftop) and certainly more determined and driven to keep pushing forward with my textiles endeavours. It may take a long time, but if you keep working at something then it will eventually pay off.

The rest of the month has gone by in wedding and birthday celebrations and plenty of dancing, of course. Last night the girls and I performed at a fundraising event for TACMEP - an organisation in Colchester who work with Minority Ethnic communities. Had an enjoyable evening and met some lovely people!

Who knows what's in store for next month...